Stories

*virtual vigils * on-the-street-activism * behind-the-scenes planning with faith-based community organizing groups* Pentecost sermons and prayers
*statements to and from congregations *poetry writing

These actions and more are all ways in which Eden Seminary alumni, faculty, staff, students, members of the Board of Trustees are participating in the events of these days and beyond.  Racism as the core of the current triple crisis of state violence, economic chaos, and global pandemic reinforces Eden’s commitment to goals of “race equity and its intersecting oppressions, interfaith collegiality, and vocational resilience” for all curriculum, community, and programming.

The Illinois South Conference UCC presented a Peace Rally at the Conference office in Highland, IL. The group held a time of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds to remind us of the time that George Floyd was held without breath and to think about the problems surrounding the system. As names of fallen Black brothers and sisters were called, a bell was rung to honor their lives. Conference Minister, Rev. Shana Johnson (Eden Class of 1997) thanked members of the Justice and Witness Team, including several Eden alumni: “A BIG thank you to P Jerry Bennett, (Class of 1992) Tim Darmour-Paul (Class of 1987), Kay Ahaus, Margie Lindhorst, Barb Bray, Sam Foskey, Norma Patterson (Eden LIFE), and Richard Ellerbrake (Class of 1958) for making this possible. Also thank you to Barbara W. VanAusdall, David Shanks and Jack Spratte (Class of 1970) (their roadie) for providing music.” Rev. Johnson speaks to the Belleville “News Democrat” about the importance of white church people showing up for Black lives.

Reflecting on Images, Iconoclasts, images of Jesus in light of public actions against Confederate statues. July 10th episode of “It’s Not Always Black and White” features Rev. Dr. Adam Ployd, Eden’s Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology. Father Jon Stratton ( class of 2011) and Rev Aaron Wade ( class of 2012 ) host this weekly show.

Eden Alum, Jeanette Mott Oxford (Class of 1989) joins with Darryl Gray to outline the ways the MO Legislature’s latest crime bill continues the racist and predatory pattern of “tough in crime” approaches.

Rev. Dr. Jesse Williams, (Eden MDIV, DMin and former Trustee) Senior Pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem New York joined with many Baptist and other clergy colleagues in NYC for a silent march for freedom and justice on June 7.

Dr. Deborah Krause, in-coming president of Eden Seminary, speaks with alumni and on St. Louis Public Radio about the role of the Seminary in these times.

Eden’s Acting Academic Dean, Dr. Sharon Tan, adds signature to the “Statement of Solidarity by Asian and Asian Descent Presidents and Deans of the Association of Theological Schools” June 18^th.

Alumni and students are involved in local actions against police violence.  In Florissant, MO, Rev. Renee Johnson ( class of 2020) and current students Rev. Zach Mullens and Rev. Larita Rice, offer leadership at a clergy press conference, June 8th.

Deaconess Foundation and CEO, Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson (class of 2009) has been awarded the “St. Louis American” 2020 Health Advocacy Organization of the Year. This award recognizes the health advocacy done by the Deaconness Foundation by supporting Black led advocacy organizations to leverage power for children, families and communities in St. Louis.

Eden faculty highlight voices of solidarity of diverse groups with Black colleagues and communities condemning anti-Blackness perpetuated through systems and structures.  Statement by the Steering Committee of the Association of Asian/North American Theological Educators (AANATE).

Eden Seminary is a co-sponsor of the  Jewish Congregation Shaare Emeth’s virtual event that spotlights the lawsuit Sines v. Kessler. The lawsuit holds accountable the neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists who conspired to orchestrate a weekend of violence in Charlottesville in August 2017, which resulted in Heather Heyer’s death and extensive injuries.

A Virtual Vigil through the Eden Seminary Chapel on May 31^st included voiced prayers of Eden alumni and faculty. Renee Johnson (class of 2020) “Holy Spirit transcend our differences and give us respect for humanity #blacklivesmatter#justiceforgeorgefloyd   

(pictured, Renee Johnson and Gabrielle Kennedy (class of 2020)

David Kniker (class of 1965) “For the gift of all who care and make their caring real, God in your grace . . .”

Christopher Grundy (faculty) “For the long night of racial oppression and violence, and the hope for a new dawn.  God, in your grace…”

The Eden-initiated Facebook group “Leading On-Line: A community of practice for progressive Christian ministry” continued to embody a co-learning space for this moment.  Members this week shared their experiences as public theologians and preachers in these days.  Creativity emerged from the juxtaposition of Pentecost and the triple crisis.  Find this Facebook group to join the ongoing conversation.

In their weekly online conversation, “It’s Not Always Black and White,” Aaron Rogers (class of 2012) and Jon Stratton  (class of  2011) were joined this week by Cassandra Gould (class of 2010) and Faith Sandler  (The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis).  Their dialogue focused on “protest and the scourge of police violence” from the perspective of their experiences as part of organized protests.

Anthony L.D. Scott (class of 2013) challenged other preachers with this observation. “I’m leaning into news ways to lead and minister. I think finding new ways to get word out is what this moment is all about.  AND my church is sharing my sermon like wildfire.  How are y’all addressing this moment?  “Waiting for Rosa”  medium.com   and  Pentecost Sermon May 31st.

Amy G.S.A. Brooks (class of 2018) shared her Pentecost poetry Amy G.S.A. Brooks _Acts 2_Riot

Chuck Currie (class of 2006), part of organized protests in Oregon, along with his children, acknowledged the complexity of this moment. “If you are protesting or just out and about, please #WearAMask, your life is precious. The life of your neighbor is precious. With re-openings, some premature, and protests, we need protection to keep one another safe. #COVIDー19 #GeorgeFloydProtests #WeekendWisdom ”

Rebecca Turner (contextual education supervisor) wore worship leadership attire that embodied her Pentecost sermon.

 

 

Eden voices also have been conversation-partners and support statements of multiple denominational and interfaith organizations.

Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis Statement

United Church of Christ national officers

Missouri Mid-South Conference, United Church of Christ, Conference Minister
Pastoral Letter of Anguish 5-27-20 Ginny Brown Daniel

Eden walks in solidarity with statements of other UCC-related seminaries,
United Seminary of the Twin Cities (Minnesota)

Pacific School of Religion (California)

July 1st marked a big day in Eden Theological Seminary history as Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause took office as Eden’s 14th president. She ushered in her first day with a welcoming message about her ideas and vision for the Seminary and community.   View video here.

With this message and her transition, this won’t be the only conversation with President Krause.  Throughout the months of July and August, Rev. Dr. Deborah will be hosting a series of interviews with members of the Eden Seminary faculty and staff. These will introduce the goals of faculty/staff teams for the function of the Seminary and of the ways she plans to work alongside them.

This series will start next week on July 8th, featuring Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker, Eden Seminary’s new Visiting Professor of Community Engagement and Contextual Education and Director of Contextual Education.

To view our new team members and set up follow this link!
http://www.eden.edu/eden-teams/

“I AM EDEN.” Sound familiar? If you have walked the halls of Eden seminary within the last year you will recall posters lining the corridors depicting faces of those engaging the spirit and mission that ignite Eden in transforming the world for the common good, through bold Christian discipleship. Along with the faces of Eden, you’ll encounter a phrase or two describing what makes a person “Eden.” Some imply a characteristic of courage and leadership. Others proclaim their passion for ministry and the church.

One wonders what Dr. Greenhaw’s poster would say: “An insightful strategic entrepreneur,” a “transformative storyteller,” a “dynamic preacher” or a “caring pastor and mentor?” Recent gifts made to Eden in honor of Dr. Greenhaw’s retirement include messages that shed light on this quandary.

Among the many well wishes for David’s retirement, “Nicholas” thanks Dr. Greenhaw not only for his service to Eden but “his generosity as a friend and mentor.” “John” thanks David Greenhaw, “for keeping Eden relevant to the times in which we live, at the forefront of theological education.” “Marylen’s” gift honors David’s “extraordinary leadership and friendship.”  “Dr. Oglesby’s” honorary gift accompanies his sentiment of “whenever there was a desire to explore new possibilities in theological education, your actions ignited my ethical imagination!” “Virginia’s” comments, along with her honorary gift to Eden, explain her thanksgiving for David’s “dynamic leadership of Eden Seminary, (your) wisdom and understanding, and (your) endearing and everlasting friendship.”

Other creative gifts to the seminary that demonstrate the community’s love and honor for David include Dr. Olivia Masih White and Dr. Terry White’s gift “for each year of service to the seminary.” Olivia said  “I first met David some 30+ years ago when we both served on the UCC Board for Homeland Ministries – Division of Education and Publication. This was many years before I became associated with Eden.  Later David invited me to serve on the board of Trustees of Eden Seminary. So to me “Eden is always David Greenhaw” – they can’t be separated. His commitment was not limited to Eden Seminary and theological education but to people, all the people he met, even someone like me. He is an expert in building relationships – you can call him ”Relationship Engineer/expert”. He understood how to make theological education relevant to the changes of the times. His commitment to bringing diversity, inclusion of new ideas, his ability to connect with everyone and maintaining friendships are some of the qualities that I admired in David. On the occasion of his retirement it seems the best way to honor his 23 years of dedicated service to Eden is by making a substantial donation.” 

The newly unveiled portrait of Eden’s president from 1997-2020, the Reverend Dr. David Greenhaw, now graces the hall of the Samuel D. Press building. The Eden community will be forever grateful for David’s leadership and as has been said by too many to count, his enduring friendship over the years. Dr. Greenhaw’s presidential portrait will remind us of who and what make Eden, Eden. May we continue as a community, and in Dr. Greenhaw’s honor, transforming the world and defining ourselves as THE seminary for the progressive Christian movement.

Offer a gift to the Seminary here

June 17, 2020
By SHAHLA FARZAN

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/first-time-170-years-eden-seminary-will-have-female-president#stream/0

Dr. Greenhaw’s influence spans decades. Countless partnerships have been established with those engaged in the life of the church. His influence in congregational churches, institutions, and organizations has impacted those of many faiths and demographics. 

You are invited to a service of worship to celebrate Dr. David Greenhaw’s service to Eden Theological Seminary on June 28, 2020 at 2 pm through ZOOM and Facebook live. 

Retirement Service order of worship with participants

On Thursday, June 11, from 6:30-7:30pm Congregation Shaare Emeth will be hosting a virtual event spotlighting Integrity First America’s landmark lawsuit, Sines v. Kessler – a suit seeking to hold accountable the neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other far-right extremists who conspired to orchestrate a weekend of violence in Charlottesville in August 2017, which resulted in Heather Heyer’s death and extensive injuries. This suit — scheduled to go to trial this October 2020 — has the potential to bankrupt and dismantle the leaders and hate groups at the center of this movement.

We hope that you will join us in the fight against white supremacy, anti-Semitism, racism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate by agreeing to co-sponsor this program with us.  The event will feature Amy Spitalnik, executive director of IFA, as well as Roberta Kaplan and Michael Bloch, the attorneys spearheading this lawsuit.  You can read more about them below. As a co-sponsor we simply ask you to agree to publicize the event to your memberships and networks.  There is no requirement to make a financial contribution to support IFA’s work, but if you or your organization are able to make a donation of any size, we encourage you to do so at:  https://www.integrityfirstforamerica.org/donate.

 

RECENT NEWS

JTA, “With white supremacists driven online by the pandemic, anti-Semitism trackers watch for new threats”

NY Daily News, “Another virus on the loose: Coronavirus and white supremacy make a terribly toxic combination”

More news available at: https://www.integrityfirstforamerica.org/newsroom/

In the halls of Eden Theological Seminary, professors and instructors do more than just teach.  Many are offering their knowledge and expertise through writing, whether that be in a journal, encyclopedia, or book.  These members of the Eden community have contributed to the world of writing with these recent works.

Adam Ployd

As the Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Adam Ployd offered his insights to the Journal of Ecumenical Studies.  This issue was a special edition that “arose out of the work of the “Violence in an Age of Genocide” study group, part of the National Council of Churches Faith and Order Convening Table”.  Dr. Ployd authored both the introduction, “Introduction: Racialized Violence and the Churches’ Responsibility”, and his own essay, “What Makes a Martyr? The Movement for Black Lives and the Power of Rhetoric Old and New”.

“This essay explores the question of what makes a martyr by placing the early Christian discourse on martyrdom in conversation with the protest and commemoration practices surrounding recent killings of persons of color by United States law enforcement. It argues that white Christians, who are often skeptical of the application of martyrial language to the victims of such racialized violence, ought to be open to the theological significance of such practices. Doing so will allow us to learn new ways of understanding and participating in God’s justice and victory over the forces of death in our world.”

Laurel Kloepf-Taylor

Laurel Kloepf-Taylor is the Associate Professor of Old Testament for Eden Theological Seminary.  While she has her own published work, Give Me Children or I Shall Die: Children and Communal Survival in Biblical Literature (Emerging Scholars), Dr. Kloepf-Taylor has recently authored an entry for a new encyclopedia of children and childhood studies.  She contributed to The SAGE Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood Studies which “navigates our understanding of the historical, political, social and cultural dimensions of childhood”.

“Christian belief and practice has both shaped and been shaped by cultural constructions of childhood. The doctrine of the original sin in particular spread across the early Church’s geographic context in Roman-occupied Palestine and was then exported globally as one of the motivating factors for the missionaries who arrived with the rise of European imperial domination. Christian theology and practice have continued to shift in conversation with ongoing cultural encounters around children and childhood.”

Damayanthi Niles

As the Professor of Constructive Theology for Eden, Dr. Niles is no stranger to publishing works.  Her research and teaching focuses on interfaith and comparative theology, constructive theology, theology and power, contextual theology with a focus on Asian theology, and missiology.  Her newest piece, which will be released on August 4, 2020, is titled Doing Theology with Humility, Generosity, and Wonder: A Christian Theology of Pluralism.  This book is to help open dialogues on interfaith and “plurality of religious faiths”.  Dr. Niles other piece is titled Worshipping at the Feet of Our Ancestors: Hendrik Kraemer and the Making of Contextual Theology in South Asia (Contact Zone. Explorations in Intercultural Theology).

“This book looks at how Christians can think about their own theology in a manner that will allow them to not only be more open to interfaith dialogue but also to see that conversation as essential to what it means to be a Christian. For much of history, Christian theology has been used to undergird and justify imperial power. This has required a theological construction that advances a vision of belief that stands above and against the world and other faiths, or at the very least acts as the one vision under which all the others must unite.”

Christopher Grundy

Christopher Grundy is the well known Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship and Associate Dean of the Chapel for Eden Seminary.  Most days, he can be found in a classroom or in the Eden Chapel, but he also shares his knowledge through writing and song.  Most recently, Dr. Grundy contributed to the Proceedings of the North American Academy of Liturgy 2020, which “is an ecumenical and interreligious association of liturgical scholars who collaborate in research concerning public worship”.  Dr. Grundy’s article story is titled This Is the World I Want to Live in: Toward a Theology of Practical Sacramentality.  The article is to look at “what it means for a meal sacramental” and “what was the source of its sacramentality”.

“To whatever extent we can assent to these ideas, however far we are willing to go in stretching our traditions and mindsets, the sacramentality of all these meals presses us to ask what implications the various meals of Jesus’ ministry might have for our theologies and practices of Holy Communion. In particular, the practical sacramentality found in these meals challenges us to look again at the balance of signification and practical effects of our eucharistic rites. It also challenges us to be more curious about the sacramentality to be found specifically in the practicalities of radical eating practices.”

More information and where you can find these works will be on the Recent Faculty Publication page.  There are links to read and or purchase these works that our Eden members have written.